Meg in the UK

Y4 - 109/365: C is For 'Cookie'

2012-01-17T23:52:00.000Z

Ryan started off the morning a bit whingy -- even though I was the one running on very little sleep. He had gotten into bed with us several times in the night and each time I marched him straight back to his own bed because he was doing my head in. It seemed to start around 4am when he thought that was an acceptable time to be really awake in our bed and flip flop around while giggling and trying to have conversations with us.

I doubt Matt remembers any of this.

Anyway, at half-past five this morning I marched him back for the last time. I brought my own pillow and stood guard (lying down) next to his bed until I heard his breathing change to "sleep" breathing.

By the time we got downstairs after half-eight, he was moody enough but trying his best to tell me what he wanted with his limited verbal vocabulary. I offered "food" (by signing), he said 'no.' I offered porridge and he declined. Then I said the magic word..."toast!" And DING, DING, DING...he wanted toast!

After brekkie we played together on the floor. I felt like such a zombie, but they're only this small for so long and I'm always afraid to let him down and miss a moment...so I stayed. I watched him grab his Cookie Monster off his shelf and I nearly passed out.

He's scared of this Cookie Monster and has barely touched him since Auntie Emma and Uncle Daz gave it him for his birthday last month. The most he has ever done was snatch cookies from his backpack...but he always makes Matt or myself "feed" the cookies to him. But low and behold now, he was doing this all himself. Sure, the machine was off so Cookie wasn't talking...but this is progress!

While Ryan was down for his nap, Royal Mail turned up with a parcel from the US. This one I was expecting, but not nearly so soon as the original ETA was 7-10 days. The parcel was from my friend and former primary school classmate, Lisa. She has a company which supplies high-quality children's clothing lines to retail stores and about a week ago she kindly and generously offered to send along some samples she had on hand for Ryan. So as soon as he was up from nap, I put him in the first one with the cars on the front. He loved it and kept counting the cars!

A couple of the items are bigger so we will have to wait a bit until he is big enough, but the styles and patterns are quite nice. Everyone will think he's posh when they see him this summer! (Thanks again, Lisa!!)

Y4 - 108/365: Skele-tot

2012-01-16T23:59:00.000Z

Yes, I know that Halloween is over...but when your adorable munchkin comes to you after finding his old costume and signs and says "on" whilst handing it to you, how can you resist?

He even kept it on for his nap!

Y4 - 107/365: The View?

2012-01-15T23:59:00.000Z

This was my view tonight when Matt came home from work (both on my lap).

They love me.

Y4 - 106/365: What's In a Name?

2012-01-14T23:59:00.000Z

See Cleo. See Cleo beg. Cleo likes porridge.

Or so she thinks.

Bless her.

Y4 - 105/365: Penny Can House

2012-01-13T23:59:00.000Z

Putting pennies in his "house" money box is keeping him quite entertained these days.

Y4 - 104/365: Kitty's Home!

2012-01-12T23:59:00.000Z

Itty bitty kitty made her debut tonight. Originally we weren't due to have her until the start of next week, but one of Em & Daz's cats wasn't returning home and they felt that may be due to the two kittens...so they were re-homed a bit early.

Matt wanted to introduce the little female to Myst right away...but soon realised that a more gradual approach may be best, as well as a "safe-room" for her in the meantime.

Ryan was loving another furry thing in the house and quite eager to stroke her and give her kisses. I think "gentle" is the key word we keep using over and over with him about her so he doesn't try to stomp on her.

At bath time Ryan was an absolute hoot. Normally he cries for Britain when I try to wash his hair, but this time he splashed his own face with water and kept doing it again and again and laughing hysterically.

Hmm...this could work in my favour...

Y4 - 103/365: See Spot?

2012-01-11T23:59:00.000Z

Ryan has a little mini-flashlight projector that projects images from the film, Cars onto the wall. I feel a bit bad...like he may think he's a cat if I keep playing with him this way.

Y4 - 102/365: Stay Awake, Don't Rest Your Head...

2012-01-10T23:59:00.000Z

The week has been off to a hectic start with me being booked for a full 5 days of work (not that I am complaining...at all). Needless to say the early mornings have already caught up with dear Ryan who decided a nap wasn't necessary this afternoon. Matt picked him up from Josie & David's and before he had him out of their estate, he was spark out.

Although it's not uncommon for Ryan to fall asleep in the car...it's not that common for him to stay asleep once we get in the house. We debated back and forth about whether or not we should take him straight to bed...but since he hadn't yet eaten his tea, we decided he needed to be woken up.

Not an easy task. In fact, nearly impossible.

Eventually we had him up and running around...although he was easily agitated so we did our best to have him back down after he had a bath and his food at a reasonable time.

Y4 - 101/365: Just a Fleeting Glimpse

2012-01-09T23:48:00.001Z

Up, awake and dressed by half-six this morning...and nearly 12 hours later, this is the first I see of him. Still in the clothes that I dressed him this morning, but a little messier from the paint and playing.

Now it's nearly time for dinner, PJs and bed.

Working days are always a little bit harder...for Mommy.

Y4 - 100/365: These Boots Were Made for...Crushing?

2012-01-08T21:32:00.001Z

Ryan really thinks he is something else with his boots on. "Ha!" he says to me as he 'stamps' his foot on the lift of the car ramp to make it go down. He also likes to do lots of stomping around the room as well as kicking and attempts to stand on or stamp on his cars.

We're working on this, needless to say.

Y4 - 99/365: Go, Go, Go!

2012-01-07T23:59:00.000Z

I'm back to using my phone as my camera until I can afford the stinkin lithium batteries it takes to power my regular camera...so the shots won't be anything spectacular (especially if they're taken after sundown).

I shot this one today after Ryan was up from his nap. Daddy brought him downstairs and I got him dressed before heading upstairs to get ready, myself. Before I left the room, I handed him the controller to his race car (that is normally kept out of reach so he doesn't bash the cat's skull in) and he went bonkers "driving" it around the room.

In the photo, he is perched on his yellow beach bucket, telling the car to "Go, go, go!" Matt has turned it from facing the sofa because Ryan is forever getting it stuck since he hasn't grasped fully how to work the forward and reverse buttons purposefully.

Y4 - 98/365: Day and Night

2012-01-06T23:55:00.003Z

Bless him. This is what I walked in to at twenty past seven this morning and it was exactly how I saw him when I left his room last night. Still spark out and not even ONE night waking!! Go little buddy! I'm hoping the antibiotics are part of the reason -- at least that is what Matt has suggested. He pointed out that he hasn't been coughing like he was, which is what we thought might be waking him in the night, so he's sleeping straight through. And he cuddled his teddy all through the night...awe.

He woke up in an amazing mood though. A bit groggy at first, but he chit-chatted with me while I quickly changed his nappy and got him dressed. I was worried that since we woke up about 10 minutes later than intended, all of our rushing around would get him all cranky...but he was upbeat all the way to the car and even said, "Bye, Mama," without a whimper.

Good lad!

Today was also his first day back at the childminder's. He came back with ax expertly painted watercolour painting in his purple book...so that's going straight on the fridge. Then the first note in his book said "Ryan has been very happy today." Reading down the list it looks as though he did loads, which would explain why he was so happy...he painted, played with the shape sorter eggs and pretend food...he played with the musical radio and did lots of dancing, played ball, played with the trains, and he ran up and down her hallway "to let off steam."

So, yeah...busy boy!

He ate all his tea tonight and played nicely, driving his ladybird along the book "road," after Daddy headed out to see Uncle Daz. Then we did PJs and milk while I read one of his Beatrix Potter Bedtime Stories. Of course he then had some Mommy-cuddles for a bit and drifted off on my shoulder again, just like last night.

I know some parents are against giving too many cuddles or rocking your child to sleep (the whole "making a rod for your back" thing), but in my experience Ryan has a more peaceful sleep, most importantly, and I don't really mind doing it. I quite enjoy the quiet time. In fact, I really wouldn't want it any other way!

Y4 - 97/365: Tot School - Day Two

2012-01-05T23:59:00.000Z

I love the way Ryan wakes up in the morning. It's as though he hasn't even been asleep and he expects that when he just starts talking that I've been awake all the while as well. So, my morning looks a little like this...

Me: ::opens eyes to see a cherub-like, bright-eyed Ryan, IN MY FACE, just STARING at me::
Ryan: Ma! Ma!
Me: ::closes eyes again because maybe I'm just dreaming, or maybe he will forget and go back to sleep::
Ryan: Mama! Way-uhh (wake up), Mama! Mama...mama...wha's thah (what's that)? ::pokes me in eye::Me: ::opens gimpy eye slowly:: Good morning, sweetpea.
Ryan: Ma! Wheh (where) Dada go? Dada goh (gone).
Me: Daddy went to work. Just you and Mommy today. Do you want to brush teeth and go downstairs?
Ryan: No, Dada goh...Dada go woh (work). Yeah, Mama...dow (down).

So, we brush our teeth, head downstairs and before his feet hit the floor Ryan is requesting his "Baa (sheep) boh (box)" which are his new Timmy Time dominoes he was gifted from Daz's sister, Nic, for Christmas. He's really taken a liking to them.

Although I planned to get him changed out of PJs before we began any Tot School, I wanted to roll with this moment because he initiated it. So, instead I grabbed my camera and the box of dominoes, and we sat down together as I watched him explore.

"Loo (look), Mama...one-two ow (owl)!"

It's sweet because whenever he is telling us that there are two of something, he says it "one-two." So, he has "one-two eyes" and "one-two ears" for example. Or, on a night after his tea, he will tell you if you 'shorted' him a yoghurt and correct you when he's finished the first by saying, "one-two yeh-yeh (yoghurt)."

I watched him with the dominoes, talking about the animals on each one and he pointed out when he saw two, by using the format mentioned previously. I passively tried to show him how to look for the matching animal and 'connect' the ends together, but he was having none of it and before long he tipped the pine box over his head, shrieked and started to run about the room.

Well then, time for a gross-motor "break," I suppose?

I could soon see that he wasn't quite in the mood to do a settled activity, so I got him changed and dressed and asked what he wanted to do. I still managed to keep the telly off, however.

He told me he then wanted to colour so I taped down a piece of white paper and set out his crayons quickly into a plastic cup. He stayed a minute and did some circles and dots, and I joined in a bit with him. Then I watched as he grabbed another plastic cup from his bookshelf and tipped the first cup with the crayons into the empty cup.

He did this over and over and was really trying to concentrate and spill as few crayons as possible...so I had an idea...

I went into the kitchen and returned with two more cups, the cake pan, a clear bowl and big spoon. I didn't say anything to him and just placed the items on the floor by the window. He immediately stopped with the crayons and made a beeline for the pasta twists. He sat down and then looked up at me without touching any of the materials. I grabbed the spoon and scooped some pasta twists from the bowl and put them in the cake pan. Then I put the spoon down and watched him.

Again, very carefully he grabbed the spoon and cautiously scooped the pasta into the cake pan. He did this for ages! He even used the cups to do some scooping and "poured" the pasta twists back and forth as well!

I was so impressed at his focus, especially since he has never done this before. Now I'm thinking we really need a sand and water table!

At one point, I watched him as he tried his best to piece together a broken pasta twist with no success, but I found the observation alone quite intriguing.

I think I will stick with a loose-form of Tot School for now since a phone call last night from one of my agencies has set me up for a week of work starting Monday. For the time being I think it will take place on days when I don't have any work. Half-terms are essentially guaranteed, but it will be week-to-week otherwise depending on my own workload.

How amazing that morning set for a bit of fun/learning for my son, turned into an "on-the-fly" lesson for me?!

Y4 - 96/365: These Moments

2012-01-04T23:46:00.002Z

Today is Matt's last day of holiday and he returns to work in the morning. He was up with Ryan first thing today and Ryan was his BFF for the rest of the day! Before going up for his bath tonight, they sat together watching episodes of Charley Bear on YouTube through the XBox.

At one point in the 'Farmer Bear' episode, there is a robot stuck in a tree and Ryan says to Daddy, "Oh no, Dada! Bot-bot in the tree!" Matt and I both looked at one another having never heard Ryan say this word before much less a sentence as long, and then we both just grinned.

We'll definitely miss these moments as he gets older.

Y4 - 95/365: Back to Life

2012-01-03T23:59:00.000Z

Since Matt returns to work on Thursday, he informed me that yesterday was his final lie-in for his time off and he wanted to get up the next two days (today and Wednesday) with Ryan so he could have that extra time with him. Although I'm not fussed about having several lie-ins at a time, I like to give the boys their one-on-one time on a morning...so I stayed in bed.

Surprisingly, this turned out to be much later than I intended today as I didn't fully wake up until Ryan woke from his morning nap. I heard Matt bring him upstairs to put him down, but then I seemed to blink and it was about an hour later and he was just coming out of his room with a dazed "I just woke up" look.

Shortly after half-five this evening, Ryan seemed a bit whingy. It wasn't in a poorly way, but I assumed it might be due to Matt having his game on XBox and he was bored, so I got down on the floor with him to play. He then reached up to me and asked for a cuddle before then placing his head on my shoulder and nodding off!

I couldn't believe it! He didn't have a temperature or anything, but was clearly exhausted. I held him for a bit but then put him on the sofa thinking he would wake on his own and hoping he would as I knew how hard it would be to get him down later tonight. But no, he stayed that way for about 25-30 minutes and as much as we hated to wake him, we knew it had to be done.

He was not a fan of this.

He perked up a bit after his dinner and we faffed about in the front room for a while after until it was time for him to go down. Matt had his antibiotics ready and Ryan was more than happy to get them down the hatch.

He has always been really good about taking his medicine -- especially now since one is banana-flavoured. Mmm!

He did get out of bed once after I had him down and left his room tonight, but a reminder that "It's bedtime" and a pointing finger was all it seemed to take before he was back under his duvet and off in dreamland.

Here's hoping we start to get back in the swing before I start getting work again -- which may not be long.

Y4 - 94/365: First Day of "Tot School"

2012-01-02T23:54:00.000Z

A "school photo" to start the day? Behold...my "grown up" little man at 24.5 months!

In all honesty, he essentially "asked" for this photo by pointing at the camera in my hand and smiling really sweetly before saying, "cheeeeeeeeeese!"

From the title of this blog post you may be wondering what 'Tot School' is or means. Therefore, I will do my best to explain.

Shortly after Ryan was born I came across a website/blog, when I was doing a search for Montessori-type learning materials/ideas. The blog that really grabbed my attention and had me intrigued is called 1+1+1=1 and the blogger is, Carisa, a mother of 3 and former teacher. She is a home-educator for her children and the actual concept of how Tot School was "born" is told in a little more detail on her page. Tot School isn't even a school as such, but described as "a focused time each day for the tot in your family." Nothing formal is forced, it's more or less 'exposure' to early learning skills through play -- purposeful play. The main difference to what I have in mind compared to what every other parent likely does at some point with their children, is that I plan to make records to track his progress and keep a small notebook of his "work."

I liked the whole concept from the beginning (a "teacher-thing" perhaps), but Ryan was only just tiny (a few months old) and I knew I would have to wait until he was a bit older.

I started reading a bit more into things just after Christmas this past year, and since Ryan had just turned two the week before, I felt he might be ready for the challenge. So, over this last weekend I've been making notes and a list of the toys he had that could be used, which turns out to be quite a lot because everything can be used in some way or another.

Since I am keen on using a child-led mixture of both Montessori & Reggio-influenced approaches, I decided to have a "trial and error" today with some toys he already shows an interest in as well as some I know he enjoys, but don't get played with as much as I'd like. This way I could see not only what his capabilities were, but what he would actually go along with being involved in. He's a very active boy, by nature, so my initial concern was that there wasn't much that would hold his attention for long since he's constantly go-go-go ALL the time.

We started with his die-cast cars. He doesn't have an extensive collection, really, but enough to work with. It just happened that he was 'brum-brumming' them along, so I invited myself into the play and 'brummed' along with him for a bit. Then I just started talking to him about what colour the cars were. He's not solid on his colours yet and only gets them right a fraction of the time, for instance, today...red was "gween" all day. But we just played with the cars, talking about the size and shape and lining them up in groups according to their colour or size.

This went on for about 10 minutes or so and I noticed he began to put them back into the toy bucket and handed it to me saying, "deh (there), mama." That was my cue that he was finished.

At that point I decided to get out a silly little sheet I made on a whim last night that had numbers 1-5 and some coloured paper circles with matching numbers. I originally planned on having him use a glue-stick (as he has done this previously with our childminder) but when we removed the cap the glue was all dried out. I ended up improvising with some handy-dandy Scotch tape, instead.

I asked if he wanted to do some counting with dots he enthusiastically shouted, "YEAH," and grabbed my hand to sit next to him on the floor. This was good because he made the choice where to sit...I didn't instruct him to come to the table or sit where I wanted him to be.

I began with the first two, showing them how to place the circle in the black outline and pointing out that the number on the dot matched and then we counted the number of dots for each written number. He's fairly consistent with counting 1-2-3, but he hasn't made it to four or five yet. His cousin is massively impressive with her counting and can make it to ten and beyond, but she is also nearly half-a-year older. It's all repetition at the end of the day, so the more we work with him the more he will catch on.

When he took over his own learning, he decided to do the green '5' pieces first. I guided him only enough to show him where they should go, but he placed them on his own for the most part. Then we counted to check there were five green dots. At one point, he placed one of the orange '4' dots upside down and backwards, but I had to stop myself from correcting him because I didn't want to interfere. I want the work to genuinely be his and not a "painted over/patched up" version of what I'm expecting just to look nice.

Once he placed his last dot and we counted and checked, I told him we were finished and he clapped for himself saying, "yay!" He really impressed me with this counting sheet because I didn't have high hopes that he would be interested being so active, but he was 100% stuck-in which only makes me more eager to try different variations and even try him out with a Tot Book or Pack. He may be ready!

By this time we had spent almost 35 minutes on the activities, so I offered him some puzzles. He LOVES his puzzles, but can often get out of hand with them by dumping the pieces and throwing or kicking them around the room. Still, I thought we'd give it a shot and I joined him where he had already seated himself on the gliding footstool behind an end table.

Since the telly had been off all morning (and it's normally on a low volume, just in the background) he was really able to concentrate a lot more. He began first by removing the letters one by one and repeatedly asking his favourite question, "Wha's thah (what's that)?" So the initial purpose, as decided by Ryan, was to identify the letter and the picture behind where the letter piece fit. We also talked about colours of the letters as well as the sounds that some of the animals in the pictures made.

Once he removed all the wooden pieces he didn't wait for me to ask him anything and I more or less observed the first 2-3 minutes of him placing the pieces back where they came from. The first one was the owl and he placed the 'o' in its spot and said, "Ow (owl)." I made sure to give praise when he placed them correctly and encouragement when he didn't or if they needed to be turned to fit. He really seemed to thrive off this and it appeared to motivate him more. He really focused to get the pieces to fit and there was no rush to just finish the puzzle and move on to the next thing. It was all at Ryan's pace and on Ryan's terms.

Here is a brief video of him placing the letter 't' for the picture of a tree. Tree is one word he says fairly accurately and he had actually placed it properly before I began recording, but he bumped the board and it came out so we tried it again for the camera. Watch how determined he is to get the letter to stay.

We didn't complete the entire puzzle because Ryan wanted to move on to one of the jigsaw-types he received for Christmas, so after spending about five minutes on a couple of them, he eventually got up and signed that he wanted something to eat and I decided it would just be wise to stop there.

I will say this...I definitely noticed a significant improvement in his behaviour throughout the rest of the day. It wasn't until much later in the evening that I even had to ask him to stop doing something for the first time, when it is usually before mid-day. Don't get me wrong, he's a very sweet boy but also a very typical 2-year-old boy and can get a bit over-excited sometimes and needs a reminder to slow down. However, today I was able to leave the room on several occasions and I didn't return to find he had tried to scale the computer desk or finger-paint his spit all over the telly. I honestly believe that providing this bit of time for him (on days when I am home) and documenting it will benefit not only him, but myself and our relationship as well. After all, he is getting some quality Mommy-time whilst learning, and Mommy is feeling like her time is purposeful to his growth and development.

Even Daddy had a little taste via an impromptu activity with stickers before dinner tonight. So simple...just a sheet of paper and a small selection of stickers, including his beloved choo-choos from the Thomas series.

It may not seem like much, but Matt had the opportunity to help Ryan explore his fine-motor skills with learning to peel and stick some stickers. Ryan still had the choice in which sticker to use and where he wanted to place it...even if it meant on Daddy's nose!

Not all parents have the luxury of being able to spend this time with their children, so I'd like to make the most of it while I can and while Matt and I still have some influence on giving him the freedom of choice in his journey of learning and while we can instill a love for it while he is young to help him maintain a positive attitude about it as he grows older.

Y4 - 93/365: The Aftershock?

2012-01-01T23:58:00.000Z

Oh wow! Is that a face or what?!

Most of this was a "fake" cry/whinge (the hint in the first photo being where he is peeking at me with one eye to see that I am watching). It seemed he was upset that on of his Thomas trains wouldn't stay on the track and it took a bit of my questioning to discover this. Afterwards, I suggested if he wanted help, he needed to ask for it with his words so I would know.

So this second photo is him asking me (with a residual whimper), "Mama, how-p (help)."

Off and on today, since I had been awake from my lie-in anyway, he has been a bit more whimpery than usual and a little more short-tempered. We think this might be a bit to do with how cruddy he felt yesterday -- an "aftershock" as I like to think of it.

However, once dinner was over at Auntie Emma & Uncle Daz's, he was quite happily playing alongside his favourite cousin...on her new, posh, trampoline!

"I hear Peppa Pig!! OMG! Is that Peppa Pig?! Get off here, we're gonna miss the intro!!"

I guess he's kinda back to normal...little weirdo.

Y4 - 92/365: Just the Three of Us

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

Today started out quite normal and then quickly went south this afternoon when Ryan began to develop yet another temperature. We didn't think much of it other than to "do the usual" of dosing him with some meds and pump him full of fluids. After about an hour from giving him some Calprofen, we noticed his temp wasn't going down, but was instead going up...to 103.1. Because of this and how drowsy he seemed, we rang NHS Direct.

They ran through their standard protocol of questioning...was he having fits, were his lips or fingertips blue in colour, would he turn his head and follow us when we got his attention. Although he wasn't a positive on any of the more serious/extreme questions, they said a nurse would be ringing within 5 minutes.

At the end of the phone call I took his temperature again and it read a staggering 103.8! We remained calm for Ryan's sake, but were absolutely sick with worry over what could be causing this.

A nurse returned the call and was very diligent in her questioning as well, assuring us we have done all the right things by undressing him and attempting to bring the fever down with Calprofen whilst vigilantly trying to get fluids into his system. She suggested that while he didn't run a fever yesterday, since the original high temps started on Wednesday the 28th, it would be in our best interest to have him seen by a doctor. With the fact that it was New Year's Eve and our local surgery was shut, we had the choice of waiting at the walk-in centre at Holly Hall or to drive to Sandwell Hospital to be seen in their primary care clinic within the hour. We opted for the latter and began preparing to leave the house so as not to dress Ryan until we were absolutely ready to go -- this mainly because his temp had seemingly gone up again to 104.4!!

Once there, we waited only a short time after our appointment was set before we were called back to the doctor.

The only thing I can't stand about seeing a doctor who isn't your "regular" is they don't tend to have much in the way of personality, nor do they have a "way" with kids -- this proven when he actually expected Ryan to keep a plastic/paper thermometer clenched in his mouth! Each and every time the guy would STOP touching or modging with Ryan, our poor little guy would mumble, "yaaay," in the most pathetic attempt at enthusiasm.

The doctor listened to his breathing, checked his ears and throat and questioned if he had been coughing. Truth be told, yes...he had a cough really from the start of December and couldn't seem to shake it. So, doc's professional medical opinion was..."it's his throat."

Trust when I say how tempted I was to ask him to "break that down for me in layman's terms."

From here the doctor played hunt and peck with his keyboard to type in the notes from the visit...all whilst not saying a word to us. I made gestures to Matt and we rolled our eyes at one another at how silly this was before the doctor then handed us a prescription from the printer for Amoxicillin and the prescription equivalent to Calpol.

Confused as whether this was the cue for the end of our visit, we thanked the man and made a hasty exit and drove onward to Sainsbury's back home so Matt could fill the scrip.

The photo (above) was taken well after he had his banana-flavoured Amoxicillin and paracetamol. To see it you would have never known!

He was still in a pretty chipper mood at bedtime and we questioned whether all the hours sleeping on me whilst on the phone with NHS Direct would interrupt his regular sleep cycle...

...and 5 seconds later, the answer (so far) is no.

Y4 - 91/365: Play-doh!

2011-12-30T23:59:00.000Z

From his Nana and Grandad for Christmas, Ryan received an awesome play-doh kit with all sorts of cutters, stampers and a wide range of play-doh colours, including a shimmery silver and gold! Ryan doesn't yet get how fun this stuff is, but I don't imagine it will take him long to enjoy it as much as Mommy and Daddy.

We made all sorts of animals and he loved saying "roll it, roll it, roll it" when he rolled the dough. He also enjoyed making little 'poke' marks with his "pokey finger."

When Daddy popped into the kitchen for a bit, Ryan showed him the cool device that could make a tortoise!

He's much better about not eating the dough as well...even though he did have a few cheeky nibbles.

Y4 - 90/365: It's All About the Bubbles!

2011-12-29T23:59:00.000Z

As expected, Ryan woke in the night with a temperature. It was only just over 101, so I gave him some medicine, stripped him down and cuddled with him in our bed since Matt was still awake and downstairs on the Xbox. By the time Matt came to bed, his fever had broken so we re-clothed him and Matt took him back to his bed and tucked him in.

I was back up with him in the morning (when he woke up chatting about bubbles) to give Matt a turn for a lie-in and just after Ryan and I got downstairs I noticed that the postman had been. He dropped a parcel over the gate since our gate was still shut and when I went to retrieve it, I noticed it was from my Aunt Lisa in America. Immediately Ryan wanted to see what was inside, so we opened it to find a Christmas card, a cute new outfit along with a stripey jumper and a couple of books; Thomas & another that was a series of Little Bear stories. Thank you, Auntie Lisa & Uncle Tracey!!

Right away Ryan ran off to investigate his Thomas book!

He went down for a nap around half-twelve but slept only maybe 45 minutes or so. Shortly after he was up, so was his temp again...so off came the long-sleeves and in went the medicine.

It wasn't long until he was feeling better once again and he even managed to sneak the bubble machine down from the top of the bookshelf (when I was out of the room in the kitchen) and carefully carried it to the window ledge, without spilling, to play with his bubbles. That's how you know this child is feeling better...when he's non-stop about his bubbles!

He seemed fine the rest of the day, and while he cuddled his teddy lots and lots, his temp didn't seem to change. Let's hope this means he is on the mend!

Y4 - 89/365: What We Wouldn't Do For Them?

2011-12-28T23:56:00.000Z

Early this morning, sometime just after 5am, Ryan had a fever. I remember him getting into bed with me and thinking that Matt would be up soon and take him back to his room. Next thing I knew, I was waking up with a 2-year-old who felt like he was on fire and Matt was spark out on the other side of him.

I woke Matt just enough to tell him to cuddle Ryan as I went downstairs to search for the thermometer and some medicine. I returned with the medicine syringe loaded with 2.5 ml of Calprofen and took a temp that read 101.7. I then stripped him down to his vest and carried him back to his own bed. For the next 2 hours I layed on the floor next to him, holding his hot little hand as he clutched his teddy, occasionally stroking his cheek and shushing him when he'd give a little moan.

When I realised the time and that he hadn't made a noise for a while, I slinked back to our room and returned to bed, but it was only in vain because I almost immediately heard Ryan call out for 'mama.' Once I got inside his room and scooped him up I could feel he was all sweaty and sticky -- the fever had broken. He then called for 'dada' so I brought him back to our room to re-dress him in his PJs and placed him to sleep on top of the duvet between us.

Imagine my surprise when our usual 8am wakeup call from Ryan passed and it was nearly 10am before he was up and being led downstairs by Daddy so I could have a little lie-in. I snoozed for about an hour and a half before realising that it was getting close to noon and wondering if Matt would keep his usual nap time.

Then my mobile rang. It was Matt telling me that he had a very droopy Ryan in his arms and that he was shivering. I threw on my clothes and came down with his medicine and the thermometer. This time the temp read 100.7 so we gave him some Calpol and a bottle of milk while he didn't budge from Daddy's lap. He didn't even acknowledge me, which is VERY unusual for him on a morning where he hasn't seen much of Mommy.

Just in case, we booked an appointment to see the GP first thing in the morning since everything was already booked for today. We stripped him back down to his vest again.

Around 3 o'clock, he woke up and just wanted to lie on the floor with his teddy. I took his temp again and it was the highest it has ever been. As soon as I read the display, 103.7, Matt said to ring the doctor's surgery back. When I told the receptionist his temp, she said they could get him in during the next hour.

Another dose of medicine, this time the Calprofen again, and some more cuddling on Mommy and lots of moaning and flopping about. Both of us were questioning what may have caused this as the only "public" place we had been was the Tesco Extra in Cradley Heath last night, so we decided it could have been something on the shopping trolley. We also texted Emma to make sure Amy was okay and not in the same condition in case it was something they had both picked up.

Just before half-three I suggested Matt fill his sippy with fresh water and a bit of squash, just enough to slightly flavour the water, since he was refusing to drink...just to keep him hydrated. No sooner did Matt leave the room that a little voice, unheard by me for most of the morning, chirped, "where Dada go?" Then I felt the sweat and watched the colour returning to his cheeks! Daddy returned with the sippy and Ryan snogged it like no tomorrow!! He was back!

Then, as if he needed to make up for all the time he was lethargic and not talking...he didn't stop moving around the room and couldn't quit chatting to us! First, he needed to give his rocking lion a quick ride...I snapped the photo between the 20-second ride and dismount, complete with growl. I believe I actually heard him "neigh" as well?

And QUICK!! Off to the cat to give him the fuss he was probably missing! I may be right though, because I certainly don't see Myst complaining.

Then ZOOM! Back over to Raa Raa's treehouse to say hello to Crocky (as the narrator's voice is instructing).

At one point he actually stops mid-lunge across the floor and shouts, "Ma," to get my attention before signing to ask for milk. Happy to have our "happy" man back, Daddy kindly obliged. He sipped his milk next to Daddy on the settee and this actual photo was taken after I asked him, "Ryan, do you love Daddy?" He then took the bottle from his mouth and replied, "Yeah, Dada. Yeah, Mama."

Bless him!

After refusing his dinner, and learning it was simply because his temp was back up to 102.4, he requested "bubbles" so we got out the machine and wands and he schooled Myst on the proper method to catching bubbles.

Surely we don't expect smooth sailing tonight when he goes down, nor do we expect a full nights' rest...but it sure is a good feeling when your child is at least acting themselves after even the smallest bout of being poorly. Otherwise, all you want to do is anything you can to make their pain and aches go away and for them to just feel better.

What we wouldn't do, eh?

Y4 - 88/365: Bubble Buster

2011-12-27T23:38:00.001Z

One of Ryan's Christmas gifts, from Auntie Emma & Uncle Daz was a game called Bubble Buster. It's a bubble machine that includes two, battery-operated wands with a set of metal "prongs" on the end. When the metal bits touch a bubble (creating a connection between the two), the wand makes a sound to let you know you have popped your first bubble. This continues until your wand registers that you have popped 20 bubbles at which point it gives a different, melodic indication that you are the winner.

It's quite a clever little game, really, and I would recommend one to anyone with a toddler...even if simply for the bubbles. What toddler doesn't like bubbles?!

Ryan had a go playing his new game with Daddy and had an absolute blast!

He thought by positioning himself right at the bubble-producing "entrance" that he would have the advantage...but Daddy showed no mercy!

Here's a little video of the hilarity that unfolded...behold, his technique of bashing the bubbles into submission...

Clearly you could see this game was turning him a bit saft when he began to chew on the wand itself out of frustration.

From there...just in a daze.

Still, he's gearing up and has decided to begin some hard-core, bubble-busting conditioning tomorrow. Once he is confident he will challenge his Auntie Emma & Uncle Daz to a duel...via Facebook Event Invitation...and it's going to get brutal, folks.

Let NO bubble be UN-busted!

It's on!

In other news...we've set up his foam letters and numbers in his room. Now he has a lovely and colourful decor on his floor. Not too shabby, eh? At least if he tumbles from his bed, he will have a cushy-foam landing.

Now, if I can just invent something similar that creates an effect similar to that of an electric fence, only a fraction of the voltage...meaning when nighttime-wandering-boy steps off the mat bits to proceed into our room earlier than 6:45am, he will get a small shock and/or catapult back into his own bed. Hmmmmm??

Y4 - 87/365: Boxing Day

2011-12-26T23:57:00.018Z

Since Em & Daz spent Christmas this year with Daz's mom & family, we saved our exchanges for the kids for Boxing Day since we'd all be at Josie & David's again together. Ryan and Amy happily opened their presents, each of them receiving a cushy armchair of their own, which they wasted no time in trying out.

Ryan was so fortunate this Christmas to have so many people think of him. He also had gifts off his honourary Grandad, Mick (Daz's dad) and Daz's sister, Nicola, together with her partner and little girl. These were totally unexpected, but very much appreciated.

I would have to say the best bits of this holiday season, thus far, were the extra bits of time we could all spend together as a family, and of course, the delicious food! Yum!

Y4 - 86/365: A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T23:50:00.078Z

This has been by far one of the best Christmases for us! For one, I learned my cousin, Keaton, made it home safe from Afghanistan for a holiday visit and just days before his daughter, Emma's, first birthday. While I don't get to see him myself, knowing he is back for a bit and spending time with the rest of the family is comforting.

Our morning started when Ryan came in to us around half-eight...for the FIRST time! Meaning: he DIDN'T wake in the night and climb into our bed!! This is fantastic considering I have (admittedly) allowed a bad habit to form from the time we switched his cot to a bed by allowing him into bed with us every night. We've tried to tackle it and break the habit, but like many parents, kept regressing and lacked consistency. Still, this is a step in the right direction and we're determined to make a good start to the new year.

We all went downstairs and into the front room where Ryan wasted no time grabbing presents to hand to each of us to "help" him open. Most of this task was assigned to Matt since I was the photographer/videographer of the occasion.

He loved his Raa Raa characters and tree-house and took great pride in naming off the characters he knew!

One of the sweetest moments in the morning was when he checked his stocking and found a mini-plush Charley Bear "teddyyyy." He immediately gave him a kiss and a cuddle! Awe!

His "final" gift (which we kept cleverly hidden with my purple dressing gown) was a rocking "horse" lion sent all the way from America by my Aunt Therese, Uncle Burl, and cousins Ashley & Zach!

The Megabloks Pirate Ship came in good use for not only toting around the Megabloks "people" that came with it, but his new Charley Bear teddy and mini-plush Crocky...along with some of Raa Raa's other friends.

A 60-minute, afternoon nap later and dressed in his Christmas outfit and new, smart-looking pea coat...we were all ready to make the trek to Nana & Grandad's for round 2 of pressies!

What a lucky little boy to have such loving, thoughtful grandparents!

Making his list for next year, perhaps?

Having a look at all the fun bits in his train set with his favourite Nana.

We had a most delicious turkey dinner, despite a power outage earlier that threatened to ruin the whole thing. For afters we all had nice puddings while Ryan had his very first experience with jelly (Jell-O). After attempting to scoop it out with his fingers, he sussed he could just "drink" from the tub like a cup. Success!!

When we returned home Ryan was spark out in the car all the way to the house. However, when we started to settle into the evening routine...he surprised us by climbing straight onto his lion (that he was a bit shy of in the morning) and rode him over and over throughout the night!

The bonus to our evening was a brief phone call to my Nan and then a web-cam chat via Facebook with my cousin, Ashley and family! They got to see Ryan for the first time and witness him enjoying the lovely gift they sent! Considering I haven't been home in 3 1/2 years, it's the next best thing to a visit for sure!

Y4 - 85/365: The Eve

2011-12-24T23:59:00.003Z

It has been a pretty uneventful day for the most part. We've done all our shopping and the presents are wrapped, so all we needed to do was get a bit from the grocery store to tide us over for the week...through Boxing Day, minimum.

I picked up some applesauce to make ornaments with cinnamon, but forgot to buy extra cinnamon and ended up limited to just a small jar at home, which I ran out of. I did my best to supplement with nutmeg, but the smell wasn't the same anymore.

Ryan really enjoyed stamping his little men and we will just have to see how they turn out in the morning. He also took a few "samples" but did a better job than previous attempts with edible ingredients when I asked him to stop.

For dinner we had a nice pizza (from Asda) and we watched The Polar Express I had set to record from this afternoon on ITV1. This was not only Ryan's first time seeing this film, but also sitting through a film that long. He squeeled at the start when the boy hears the train whistle from his bedroom and shouted, "choo choo!" So he knew what it was about!

By the end when Santa and his elves were in the square celebrating, Ryan was on his feet and jumping and dancing around!

All is quiet in the house now -- aside from the "gentle" sound of gunfire behind me from the Xbox. The bab is bathed and asleep, the "stage" is set for the Christmas performance and I'm ready to turn in for the night.

Roll on Christmas morning!!!

Y4 - 84/365: Do As I Say...Not As I Do

2011-12-23T23:54:00.001Z

Ryan was showing his George Pig the tree lights today and explaining to him that he musn't touch -- unlike how HE did that very thing and keeps causing baubles to fall out. Thankfully they're plastic and won't break from a fall onto the carpet.

I got all of my wrapping finished tonight so I'm pretty chuffed about that. I almost wish Christmas was tomorrow so I can see the look on Ryan's face when he opens his presents and checks his stocking to see what Santa left him!

I have Polar Express set to record on ITV tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully we can watch that in the evening before Ryan heads up to bed.

Yep...I have a hunch that it's gonna be a nice, nice Christmas this year.

Y4 - 83/365: That's Our Boy!

2011-12-22T23:59:00.058Z

In order to promote a little independence, I like to encourage Ryan to do some things on his own. These include brushing his teeth (we model when we brush ours), washing up in the bath, and removing clothing (such as his bib and socks). I also find that allowing him to do these things bypasses any potential tantrums because he feels that he is in control and ultimately they are life skills he needs to know.

The past month, he has been showing increasing interest in getting himself dressed in the morning. So, this morning when I popped upstairs to retrieve some trousers to go with his Mickey Mouse top, he decided he wanted to wear his PJ bottoms with it instead -- only, as you can see, he had two of his leg in one leg of the bottoms.

Nearly there.

But then he kept standing to pull the waistband up and tried taking off to run -- falling each time! It was a pretty hilarious moment, so naturally I had the camera on hand and managed to get this action shot. He was literally airborne! You would think after falling once or twice he would get discouraged and stop doing it...but no. This is Ryan we're talking about...so he did it over and over for about 5 minutes. He finally conceded and handed his PJ bottoms to me saying, "Deh, mama." ("There, Mama.")

Later, while I finished addressing Christmas cards, he played with his favourite, orange 'Birthday' balloon. He pulled this face (above) at one point when I told him off for trying to chew on the nub where it was tied. He does this face now when we tell him to stop doing something -- head down and pouty lip.

Sorry mate, doesn't work with us.

Mickey Mouse on the telly was enough to distract him, however, and he happily went back to shaking the balloon and dancing...without taking his eyes off the tv, of course.

After Daddy was home, he helped us set up Elefun so he could sneak upstairs and unload the Christmas presents from our closet and bring them down for me to wrap while Ryan was in bed.

There is something you should know if you ever have the opportunity to play Elefun with Ryan. First of all, he doesn't even try (for now) to catch the little "butterflies" when they fly out of the nose. He shakes the net like mad and shrieks like a banshee while jumping around. It's quite comical. Also, you need to be on your guard. He uses two nets to increase his odds and he's not against thieving the "butterflies" from your own net and claiming them as his own.

Be warned.

Y4 - 82/365: Speedy Delivery!

2011-12-21T23:59:00.025Z

So, Ryan's replacement Converse arrived today!! I had him try them on and they're a perfect fit...so now they're back in the box and ready to be wrapped for Christmas.

We're so lucky he is still at the age that he is just happy to be unwrapping presents and doesn't remember (or care) that he has seen or touched it before.

Since today's theme seemed to be 'deliveries' we also received quite a large parcel from my Aunt Therese, Uncle Burl, and cousins Ashley and Zach. Inside was a surprise for Ryan for Christmas that he will absolutely love...and this precious ornament with all of our names! We daren't put it on the tree this year with how Ryan uses our tree for target practise with his football...so it now sits proudly on the mantle.

Also on the mantle (FINALLY) are our stockings! I was fed up late this afternoon and since the weather is a bit more mild, we trekked down to Wilkinson's for their "charity case" £1 stockings. They're so pathetic looking and Matt was surprised I even spent £1 on each of them, but I couldn't find stockings anywhere that weren't asking £5 or more...and that's not in our budget at the moment. So, they will do for now.

Not long now! I can't wait for Christmas!

Y4 - 81/365: Hand-Made

2011-12-20T23:59:00.012Z

Our finger-painting yesterday inspired me to embellish the Christmas cards a bit.

Then 18 brown handprints later...

...we have REINDEER!!

Coming to a home near you to spread holiday cheer!

Y4 - 80/365: The Birthday

2011-12-19T23:59:00.023Z

Happy Birthday to our darling son, Ryan!! He's TWO today and it feels like we only just blinked from when he first came into our lives.

To start the day, his red, hi-top, Converse All-Stars arrived! We weren't expecting them until after Christmas so I was elated that we received them so soon! I had him try them on right away to see how they looked.

The problem? You may or may not be able to see from this photo, but they were WAY too big! I ordered a size 6, the box said size 6, the receipt said size 6, but when I looked on the bottom of the shoe it read 'size 8!'

I had to ring the catalogue company and arrange a return and exchange for the correct size...so who knows when the correct pair will arrive. They estimate the 6th of February.

After his lunch this afternoon we decided to break out the fingerpaints.

He only tried to eat them a couple of times before deciding the bad taste wasn't worth putting his hands in his mouth.

Between the events of yesterday and today, I'd say Ryan has definitely had a very Happy Birthday!

Y4 - 79/365: The Party

2011-12-18T23:59:00.103Z

Ryan's actual birthday isn't until tomorrow, however, with today being part of the weekend, it was a lot easier to get people together to celebrate. It just happened that we volunteered to do Sunday dinner and then decided it would be really nice to invite my in-laws, Josie & David as well, to help celebrate.

We started our morning with pressies, smallest to largest, from Mommy & Daddy. First was George Pig and his dinosaur, which made Ryan squeal and grin from ear-to-ear. He cannot say 'George' or 'pig' yet, but he does squeal and point and say "THAT!"

Daddy was so kind to help with the present unwrapping as well. In addition to George, Ryan had a Peppa Pig DVD as well as some Christmas DVDs (Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Comin to Town, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer...all favourites from Mommy's childhood), a nice set of jigsaw puzzles with a storage box, and a remote-control race car.

Not too shabby a haul for a second birthday!

Once everyone arrived the kids played in the front room while, in the kitchen, Matt worked on dinner and I made finishing touches to his very special, Raa Raa cake. Before dinner we decided to do presents from Em, Daz & Grandparents. From Auntie Emma, Uncle Daz, and Amy he had a Count 'n Crunch Cookie Monster (that we're still working on him not being too scared of) and the Elefun game (which I can't wait to play with him).

Nana and Grandad had Ryan AND Daddy in mind when they chose his gifts - two JCB toys, an electric Mega-Lift Crane and a Backhoe Loader. The boys will definitely have some fun with those! Funnily enough, Ryan was excited to finally have his own "seat" in the front room! Each time he'd unwrap a gift, he'd sit on it.

Yeah, I don't get it either.

Just before cake I was finally able to come in and enjoy a bit of the kids' playing together. Apparently Miss Amy was loving the slide! Just look at that gorgeous smile!

And Ryan was concentrating VERY hard...

...showing everyone how his car worked!

Then...it was time for cake! Look...it's Raa Raa!

Ryan was an excellent candle-blower-outer. In fact, he probably did it at least 3 times (since Matt kept lighting the candle for him after he'd shout, "Yay...a-gehhhh (again)!").

Look at him...clapping his success!

A little video of everyone singing 'Happy Birthday!'

It wasn't long after the cake that everyone said their goodbyes and it was back to just the three of us once again.

Matt and I watched as our (almost) 2-year-old as he played with one of his balloons and stole cookies out of Cookie Monsters backpack to give to US to feed him. We can both honestly say this is one of the best "family" days together, BY FAR, and we're so happy and fortunate to have everyone share in his special day (even if it is technically tomorrow).

Thank you so much David, Josie, Emma, Daz and Amy!

Ryan says, "BEST. Birthday. EVER!"

Y4 - 78/365: Santa - FAIL?

2011-12-17T23:59:00.032Z

This year we had the brilliant plan, rather I had the brilliant plan, to get a photo of both of the kids together visiting Santa and give it to my in-laws. In my mind, I had probably pictured something a little less like what we ended up with (above). Ryan just wasn't having it. He was okay with Santa last year, but this year, even with coaxing and having Daddy in the photo, he was not okay with this guy.

Amy on the other hand thought he was pretty comfy and probably would have stayed longer if he had a bit of Peppa Pig to offer.

We did finally manage a smile in the solo photo, but I wasn't impressed with Santa's initiative to interact a bit. I suggested to Matt maybe taking Santa's seat with Ryan in his lap and Santa could have sat on the stool.

Oh well. I guess we can look back and say this was the year that he wasn't quite friends with Santa...and laugh it off.

As soon as we returned home, Ryan jumped in to the Smyth's Toys catalogue to re-think his Christmas wishlist.

Our little nut.

Y4 - 77/365: With Love (& Glitter) From Ryan

2011-12-16T23:59:00.006Z

Today was Ryan's last day with the childminder before schools resume in the new year. With his learning journey book tonight were a couple of Christmas cards, a birthday card for him, and a Christmas card he "made" with Julie. She told Matt how she did the cutting and let him do the glue and glitter.

We will treasure it always!

Y4 - 76/365: Charley Bear "On Tap?"

2011-12-15T23:59:00.010Z

We have discovered episodes of Charley Bear on You Tube. He was a bit clingy this morning and asked to watch some "Teddy," but since we don't have it on series link, I did a search and found lots of episodes online.

The photo looks a bit melancholy...but he was quite pleased to be watching his "Teddy" from Mommy's lap on the computer!

Y4 - 75/365: Proper Little Man

2011-12-14T23:59:00.027Z

Since Ryan was an itty bitty, I've wanted him to have a smart-looking pea-coat, but they're always some outrageous price. So, earlier this week I placed an order on my never-before-used Vertbaudet account. I had noticed they had some fantastic deals going and I quite like the sensible and sophisticated look of their clothing.

Some of the items arrived today, including this pea-coat I had ordered in a size 2 years. I was so excited to try it on him, however, was soon disappointed to see that a size 2 in Vertbaudet runs a bit small and although it fits him now, it wouldn't for long.

I have since phoned them back and placed a replacement order for all the same items in a size 3 instead.

Matt isn't keen on the coat, but it's my "guilty-Mommy-pleasure" to dress him up all smart-looking before he's old enough to tell me how much he hates shirts with buttons and collars and refuses to wear certain things...like SOMEone I know.

Just sayin.

Y4 - 74/365: Welcome Home, Ole Yeller

2011-12-13T23:59:00.001Z

Since we have had this high chair, it has lived at Em & Daz's because we eat most Sunday dinners there. Here at home we would just rely on the Bumbo with the tray (which he can now escape) and Ryan would have his dinner and tea with us in the front room. However, it's now back home with us and a Godsend it is!

Finally I can get things done in the kitchen...like laundry and washing up...without having to worry that Ryan is out of my sight and getting into mischief. I just give him some crayons or markers and he's happy as a clam to sit and "Kuh-woh."

Granted, after today when I gave him marker pens, I have a bit more cleaning up even after my cleaning up is done...but at least I know he isn't standing on the computer desk or scaling the flatscreen telly!

Y4 - 73/365: Has Princess Been Naughty?

2011-12-12T23:59:00.000Z

He's crushing the Princess of Happyland in the garage of his Fisher Price wheelies ramp...should I be concerned or book some therapy sessions now?

Y4 - 72/365: Daddy's Day

2011-12-11T23:59:00.002Z

Sunday mornings I get my lie in, which means Matt is up with Ryan from the start of the day. As a result, all he wants from that point for the rest of the day is his Daddy...evidenced here as he strokes Daddy's hand while on his lap watching TV at Auntie Emma & Uncle Daz's.

Y4 - 71/365: Jaffa Cakes!

2011-12-10T23:59:00.000Z

Have you ever seen such a beautiful sight in your life?!

Y4 - 70/365: "Nana, Nee" (Banana, please)

2011-12-09T23:59:00.001Z

He saw me holding a banana (intended for him) this morning and immediately started signing 'please' and asking "Nana, nee," with his words. He loves his 'nanas!

Also, he may have gone down alright last night, but he woke just before midnight with a harsh-sounding cough and fever so I decided to call it a night myself. Daddy came to the rescue with some Meltus and Calpol and Ryan snuggled with me in bed. He then woke nearly every hour until 5am and the last time he was soaked through his PJs with sweat, meaning his fever had finally broken...so I needed to go down to get a change of clothes and get him sorted. We then went from 5 until 9am without a peep, which is unheard of for "up with the sun" Ryan.

Still, the first thing he wanted to do within five minutes of waking this morning...?

Dance.

Y4 - 69/365: Christmas Party

2011-12-08T23:59:00.000Z

Matt's work Christmas do was tonight at the Copthorne in Brierley Hill, so my lovely in-laws, David & Josie came to the cottage to look after Ryan for us while we were out. Thankfully Ryan didn't give them any fuss going to bed and we arrived home just before 11 with our pumpkin still a coach and without losing my glass slipper.

Y4 - 68/365: Brr!

2011-12-07T23:59:00.000Z

The weather has been getting increasingly colder which means our little outings are starting to be affected. I really need to get out and walk so I can keep my activity levels up and the fresh air is really beneficial to Ryan. If walking isn't an option, however, then we dance. This is something Ryan absolutely loves and he was doing it so much this morning that he AND his plushies needed to take a breather.

We did manage to get out in the afternoon after his dinner, but our attempted walk to Haden Hill Park, down a very steep Waterfall Lane, was unsuccessful as we would have ended up walking home in the dark by the time we'd leave.

So, we took the train from Old Hill Station.

It gave Ryan's cheeks a little break from the chill outside and saved us a walk back up that stinkin hill. Once we arrived at Rowley Regis station, three minutes later, it wasn't long before we were back inside our own toasty, warm house.

Y4 - 67/365: All By Myself

2011-12-06T23:59:00.004Z

I'm all about getting Ryan involved in typical daily/weekly tasks like helping around the house, grocery shopping and even going to the library. I'm hoping that if I instill a sense of pride in him about these things, he will enjoy doing them.

So far, so good...he's a big fan of checking his books back in!

He also quite likes carefully choosing the next book(s) he will borrow. (And I try to honour his requests...even when it is a book with Teletubbies.)

Although I can't say I mind when I see just how excited he gets over familiar objects and characters! This little boy absolutely loves a good book!

Y4 - 66/365: Deck the Halls

2011-12-05T23:59:00.002Z

I had some work again today so it was a pretty late night getting home. Since I knew I was taking the train from Birmingham via New Street, I knew there was a Poundland inside the Pallasades Shopping Centre, which is conveniently connected to the station. So on my way to my train, I popped in to Poundland and found some lovely, inexpensive ornaments for the tree...some tinsel garland and glittery baubles.

As soon as we got in the door, I found some Christmas music playlists to blast and Ryan and I decorated the tree!!

Much better now, I think...and dancing Ryan agrees!

Y4 - 65/365: It's a...BOY GIRL KITTEN!!

2011-12-04T23:59:00.000Z

A couple of weeks back my sister-in-law, Emma, informed me her cat, Pepper, was having her kittens. She birthed two healthy little darlings...a ginger male and a calico female, like her. Because we have a male cat already, Matt vetoed my request for the ginger and white male so we think we may have the calico off her instead.

Ryan is doing his best practicing of "gentle" stroking in this photo with the boy kitty.

Y4 - 64/365: Let the Holiday Shopping Commence!

2011-12-03T23:59:00.001Z

Although we wanted to get this started and finished much sooner, our birthday and Christmas shopping didn't begin until tonight. Since Ryan is still quite young and we aren't millionaires, we're going to keep it pretty low-key this year. We figure we can get him things throughout the year as well so it doesn't all have to be done for his birthday and for Christmas.

One thing we both agree is nice to take advantage of, however, is the fact we can shop while he is with us because he doesn't quite understand what is going on. I'm not entirely sure we will be this fortunate next year.

Y4 - 63/365: Keh-ket (Chocolate)

2011-12-02T23:59:00.000Z

It's not every day Ryan gets chocolate. In fact, it's very seldom unless for a special occasion...such as cracking open the first window to his advent calendar!! We missed starting it yesterday, so he ended up having two today. Also, since he has two calendars (both Thomas...one from our friends in Torquay and one from Grandad Mick), he will likely get one chocolate with his dinner and one with his tea.

I was telling him how it's a chocolate and he called it "keh-ket." Good effort, little lad!

Y4 - 62/365: Tell Me a Story, Daddy

2011-12-01T23:59:00.001Z

Ryan loves a good book when Daddy reads to him. The favourite at the moment is a Charley Bear story where he pretends to be a sheriff.

Y4 - 61/365: It's Beginning...

2011-11-30T23:59:00.002Z

...to look...

...a lot like...

...Christmas!

Y4 - 60/365: 24-Hour Bug?

2011-11-29T23:59:00.002Z

Last night while I was at Bingo with Emma, she mentioned she wasn't feeling too well. I didn't think any more of it until I was wide awake at just four this morning with a bad stomach. It felt as though I would be sick at any moment, so I made sure Ryan was tucked safely in bed next to me, and I quickly made my way to the bathroom where I ended up lying on the floor for the next 2 hours.

I did eventually return to bed, but was up an hour and a half later with Ryan and saying goodbye to Matt as he left for work. I felt so unbelievably sick and achy that I thought some ibuprofen might do the trick for the aches and maybe help curb the nausea.

It wasn't until I had just finished changing Ryan's morning nappy that I finally felt a watery feeling in my mouth and knew something was about to happen. So, I quickly grabbed Ryan's toy bucket and the timing couldn't have been better. I felt so bad that Ryan had to see me do it because I would have much rather had gone down to the bathroom, but there was no time.

Without going into any detail, let's just say I spent the remainder of the afternoon on the sofa in a dressing gown, trying my best to move as little as possible. I also found out that both Emma and Daz had the same episode and Daz wasn't doing too great either.

The bad feeling started to ebb away early evening, and although I did manage to finally get some food in my system, I had to force myself to eat it because I didn't actually *feel* very hungry. I still even feel a bit shaky now, but I'm so happy to be rid of the crud I seemed to have this morning.

At least Ryan was there to keep me company and give me "get well" cuddles!

Y4 - 59/365: Barnford Hill Park

2011-11-28T23:59:00.000Z

Since we began taking regular walks again lately I have been scoping out on Google Earth some different routes that we can take to get to different parks in the surrounding area. I found one just over in Oldbury and it's about a 3 mile walk, but figured that would be a good trek with a break in between so Ryan could have a play.

We finally decided to check out Barnford Hill Park this morning and Ryan absolutely loved it!

I have to admit that with all the equipment and structures available, Ryan was the most entertained by the collection of leaves around the perimeter. He kept running against the fence, kicking as many leaves as he could along the way and squealing with delight!

I liked the structure for the slide especially because the park right next to us doesn't really have an easily accessible slide. This one here had wide platforms that he could climb on his own and I didn't have to worry that his legs would slip through any spaces, whereas the one by us has an arched, metal ladder with thin rungs -- that he has once bashed his mouth on and had a bit of a bloody lip from, and a very steep slope with a chain to pull himself up. I much prefer something he can navigate confidently on his own and has to use his own motor control for rather than me keep lifing him up and putting him on the slide.

I think it's clear here as well that Ryan also enjoys doing things himself. He finally reached the top!!

And down, down, down we come!

We made sure to send Daddy lots of photos from our visit to try and help him be a part of our fun, but I think it also made him a little sad that he wasn't actually there in person to enjoy Ryan's smile. So, I suggested we try coming back on the weekend, maybe a sunnier day to have a family day out.

Ryan was very enthusiastic each time he'd find a stick. He'd pick it up and exclaim, "tiiiiick," while waving it around before plunging it down and shouting, "eeeees," referring to the leaves.

After about an hour romping around the park, I decided we should head home so Ryan could have his nap. Only ten minutes into the walk home, Ryan decided he didn't want to wait for his nap and he was spark out, despite my best efforts of cheek-tickling. At this I tilted his seat back and covered him in a blanket for the remaining 35 minutes it took to get back home.

Once back inside the warmth of the house, I quickly sorted his room heater and a warm bottle of milk before stripping off his outer layers and giving him the milk and then taking him up to sleep.

I have to say today I had some great fun exploring something new with my little buddy.

Y4 - 58/365: "Ahhh! Cheese!"

2011-11-27T23:59:00.000Z

I have figured a brilliant way to get Ryan to brush his teeth correctly, without Matt or myself having to step in and do it for him, thus causing him to get upset. To get the sides on the top and bottom we'd always encourage him to say, "ahh," so he would open his mouth wide. This week I have been telling him to say, "ahh," himself and showed him wear to brush while also brushing my own and showing him with my own mouth. Then I will tell him, now say 'cheese'...and he will go, "cheeeeeeee," and smile and brush the front.

It was so hard to keep a straight face when we left the bathroom and he waved to all the toothbrushes, saying, "Bye Mama, bye Dada, bye cheeeee."

Y4 - 57/365: Expat Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T23:59:00.000Z

We got together At Erin's place tonight for a West Midlands Expat Thanksgiving get-together. It was Matt's first time meeting some of the people I have had the chance to chat with over the last few months on some Facebook expat groups.

There was loads of yummy food and cakes and Ryan enjoyed some from Mommy and Daddy's plate.

Then, he went back to playing cars with his new friends, Rylee and Nicholas.

Y4 - 56/365: Stuff to Do

2011-11-25T23:59:00.000Z

This is the snuggle-bug I woke up next to this morning. I had to hurry and get him dressed and ready to go to the childminder, Julie's, so that I could get dressed and ready for an interview just a few hours later in Stourbridge.

I haven't been getting much supply work, so I've decided to try signing on with another agency that deals with schools that are more local to me and pays weekly. I doubt I will get anything sorted with them this side of Christmas, but I have to do what I can to get any work I can.

Also when I was in Stourbridge, before my interview, I popped in to Waitrose to pick up some Libby's tinned pumpkin to make pumpkin rolls for the Expat Thanksgiving at Erin's tomorrow.

Y4 - 55/365: All Bundled Up

2011-11-24T23:59:00.002Z

I had to catch a photo of Ryan all bundled up with the dropping temperatures outside since we've been on regular walks all week long. This is him in an under-vest, long-sleeved top, knitted jumper with fur-lined hood, fleece-lined knit hat and fleece-lined Thomas coat with mittens.

Ready, steady, go!

Y4 - 54/365: Missing Mitten...FOUND!

2011-11-23T23:59:00.001Z

Earlier in the week I took Ryan on a nice 3 mile walk and he managed to lose a mitten along the way. I wasn't too bothered as the 2 sets of mittens together only cost a whopping £1.50. However, when we passed the same route on our walk today, we happened to come across our lost mitten by chance! Nearly a week on, and I imagine it's exactly where it had fallen that night.

With that it went straight in the basket and home to be washed right away.

Y4 - 53/365: Sussed

2011-11-22T23:59:00.000Z

After many, many attempts...he finally figured out how to get his Thomas "choo-choo" to roll the entire length of the bay window.

Y4 - 52/365: ...Bingo, Bingo, Win!

2011-11-21T23:59:00.001Z

Tonight I was a Mecca Winner! Woot!

I was trying to watch my spending on the cashline games, but when the first number was called on the buy-one-get-one-free, I decided last minute to give it a go and "coined in." As a result, I won £69 and split it with Em.

This will pay for pumpkin roll ingredients, nicely!

Y4 - 51/365: Bubble Pop

2011-11-20T23:59:00.000Z

Auntie Emma got out the bubbles tonight! Curly-mop loves bubbles.

Y4 - 50/365: Bingo, Bingo, Bingo...

2011-11-19T23:59:00.000Z

Yay for an extra, albeit unsuccessful, bingo night with Em! Gotta love when the offers are on and it's a cheapie night!

Y4 - 49/365: Get Well Soon

2011-11-18T23:59:00.005Z

Matt returned home from physio this afternoon and headed straight for the sofa. Although he is attending sessions to make his back better and help the pain lessen, the immediate result after said session is that he's in the most pain at the moment because they've twisted him all about.

Ryan was offering a comforting hand.

And even a cuddle as well...as long as he could still see the telly, of course.

Emma and I are off to see Breaking Dawn later tonight, so Daddy and Ryan will have loads more bonding time.

Y4 - 48/365: Wild Thing

2011-11-17T23:59:00.000Z

Every so often his cardboard crown re-emerges and I catch a glimpse of him and think about the character Max in the story, Where the Wild Things Are.

Y4 - 47/365: Best Seat in the House

2011-11-16T23:59:00.001Z

Daddy built Ryan a telly-watchin' seat! Ryan immediately put in use.

Y4 - 46/365: Monkey in the Middle?

2011-11-15T23:59:00.006Z

Always in the middle of the track! So proud though...he built this one (snapped all the pieces in place) all by himself!!

Y4 - 45/365: Pyjama Day

2011-11-14T23:59:00.001Z

Over the weekend I prepared some playdough again since the weather hasn't been very pleasant for some time outdoors. After Ryan was up from his nap this afternoon and had some lunch, we got the dough out along with our new cookie cutters and rolling pin. He absolutely LOVED making the shapes and saying some of the colours...namely 'bwuuuuu' and 'wehwohw.'

I caught him having a few cheeky tastes of the dough, but I'm confident the saltiness put him off trying to shove any more in his gob. Although, he would look at me and say, "Mmm," after each one!

He and I both stayed in our pyjamas all day since it was so crummy outside...that is until it was time for Daddy to come home from work. That was when he went up for an early bath, and into a new, clean set of PJs and I got dressed for some time at the Taj M'Bingo.

This is what was happening shortly before I left the house -- Daddy and Ryan playing 'trains.' He enjoys sitting in the middle of the track and putting a finger in the way to stop the trains until Daddy tells him, "GO," and he lets them go.

Y4 - 44/365: Zzziiiiiiiiiiiiiiip!

2011-11-13T23:59:00.000Z

Oh no...we've discovered the zipper. This brings a whole new challenge in getting ready to leave the house.

I should also mention when he zips his zipper, he feels the need to say, "Zzziiiiiiiiiiiiiip," over and over as he zips or unzips.

Y4 - 43/365: Housekeeping

2011-11-12T22:49:00.000Z

SOMEone thought it would be funny to purposely spill the milk from his sippy onto the window ledge this morning. But try again, hotshot...Mommy has your number! He was immediately called over and given a wipe and told to clean it up.

To my own surprise...he did.

And let that be a lesson, hmm.

He even handed me back the wipe when he was finished and said, "Ta, mama." Bless him.

Y4 - 42/365: Before Our Very Eyes

2011-11-11T23:59:00.000Z

The first thing Ryan wanted to do tonight on his return from the childminder was grab his 'choo-choos' and catch up on today's episode of Raa Raa!

I had to message the childminder this morning and ask that she keep an eye out for any unkind behaviours like kicking and pushing. He's been doing this a bit with the cat and his cousin, and while we know he really isn't doing it to be spiteful and mean (he thinks he's playing), we still don't want to allow him to think it's acceptable behaviour. He's had a few time-outs off us and although he may not understand what remorse is, we thought it would be better to set ground rules and be consistent with our expectations from now so we won't have a struggle when he gets older.

I was over the moon when I read the following in his purple book:

Ryan appeared really glad to see all his friends today and couldn't stop smiling in the car this morning.
He has played lovely with Taylor this morning with the trains and has really been kind to the baby Thomas giving him the baby toys.
Ryan has not displayed any pushing or spiteful behaviour at all.

Everything else indicated he had a good day overall, playing with the toys at the children's centre, and being his otherwise happy/joyful self. This led Matt and I to wonder if it's maybe just the familiarity of our cat and his cousin, but still, we plan to carry on teaching him that his actions are unkind and not how we're meant to treat other people and animals.

We've also implemented a change in the bedtime routine. Starting tonight, Ryan will no longer get a bottle of milk just before bed. Instead, he will get milk in his sippy during dinner and will go to bed just after brushing his teeth or having a bath, but without the bottle. The reason for this is that we want to disassociate having a bottle of milk with sleeping and he will go to bed with clean teeth and not milk coating them. This way, when it comes time to wean him off the bottle entirely (something we're hoping to do sometime between 2.5-3 years) he will transition easily.

He did sign for milk when we went into his room (and I had a bottle in the fridge in case he wasn't having any of this new change) but he seemed content enough when I said simply, "You had your milk with dinner tonight." His response was, "Okay." After some cuddles...a little bit longer than usual...he was fast asleep in his bed. He did wake once just before midnight, but went back down without a problem, so while it may take a bit to get used to, it is for the best and all part of our little man growing up.

Y4 - 41/365: Mr. Indecisive

2011-11-10T23:59:00.000Z

Any other time I try to put this hat on his head to keep his dear bonce warm, he throws an absolute fit. Now I have just sat here and watched him collect the hat from his rucksack and put it on by himself...then he proceeded to wear it for the next 20 minutes of whatever he was doing. I couldn't help but giggle that he had it on a bit crooked, which is naturally why I ran for the Kodak.

Little man just can't make up his mind, can he?

He's getting better with his colours now. He can say blue, yellow and red and has roughly a 25% success rate on getting the colour right. Most of the time though, everything is blue.

Then there are his numbers. He made a breakthrough today because whereas he used to count "one, one, one," today he realised "two" came after "one" when we were counting the fluffy chicks in his 'happy baby 123' book. His cousin, who is only 5 months older, can count effortlessly to 10 and even knows some numbers to 16 as well! I know some children in Year 1 who have difficulty with 1 to 6, so I'm already impressed by these two special tiny humans in my life!

Y4 - 40/365: Demolition Day

2011-11-09T23:59:00.000Z

Not even 10 days after deciding on the "butler entrance," Ryan has changed his mind on the entire structure of his castle. This afternoon he climbed onto the "roof" of the dungeon until it collapsed...

...so I suppose he wanted a rooftop entrance as well?

"New" and improved? Beauty is in the eye -- nah, it's ****ed. Literally in ruins.

Good thing Matt is coming home with new boxes from work tonight!

Y4 - 39/365: Bedtime, Everybody!

2011-11-08T23:59:00.001Z

To the un-trained eye, this may look like a matchbox car accident, but believe me when I say it's not. Actually, this is Ryan's doing. I've posted a similar photo on my Facebook the week or so before last where Ryan had "put his cars to bed" by turning them over. I didn't see him do it at the time, but I heard him from the other side of the room.

Tonight, after we announced to Ryan that it was bedtime, Matt and I watched as Ryan delicately lifted each car to his lips for a kiss and then promptly propped it on his shoulder for a brief cuddle before placing it (wheels up) on the floor. If he thought he didn't do it right he would kiss and cuddle the car over just to be sure. Then he proceeded to tap each one gently and say "nigh nigh, car car," as Matt and I carried on watching in silence and stealing the occasional glance between ourselves, knowing it couldn't be any sweeter.

Y4 - 38/365: Want to Play?

2011-11-07T23:59:00.000Z

"Where go?"

"Mama...BOO!"

Y4 - 37/365: Be One With the Shape

2011-11-06T23:59:00.000Z

He's amazing to watch now. It used to be that he would need me to turn the shape ball for him to find the correct hole to put the shape into. He was able to put most shapes in but also needed help with others. Now, he's quite content to be given the ball and shapes and suss it out all by himself!

Y4 - 36/365: Remember, Remember -- Your Neighbours Have Children!!!

2011-11-05T23:06:00.001Z

Ryan has a bit of an obsession with "smelling" things, so when I caught him smelling his crayons this morning, I immediately grabbed my camera and captured this gem!

Such a comedian and he doesn't even know yet!

We popped out to Worcester late this afternoon to visit Matt's friend, Kev, and his girlfriend, Mel. She loves Ryan and as soon as she came into the room and saw him, she snatched him up for a cuddle and happilly allowed him to hold her hand and walk around to explore a bit.

He was so excited to see their dog, Buster, at first...until Buster excitedly plowed into him to give him doggy-kisses all over his face. After that, Ryan was quite content to wave at him from a'far whilst Buster was safely locked behind a gate. He is a very friendly dog, but for once Ryan didn't have the "upper hand" like he does with our cat, Myst.

We left Kev's shortly after dark and headed back North on the M5 to go home. Matt then left to go visit Daz and Ryan and I stayed behind to have dinner and maybe watch some of the 'Bonfire Night' fireworks. I took him upstairs and we watched for a bit towards Clent and across Stourbridge from the bedroom window. He really enjoyed all the colours!

It is now 11pm and he is currently asleep on the small sofa behind me. We attempted bedtime at 9, however, the nearby neighbours had some pretty loud fireworks they were setting off and the booms were startling him. Rather than run back and forth up and down the steps all night each time he woke from a loud boom, I brought him and a couple of his cuddly toys down to camp on the settee until things dies down outside.

Too bad some of them aren't considerate for those of us with small children who need to be sleeping.

It makes me laugh a bit that the British celebrate their Houses of Parliament NOT getting blown up by playing with none other than...explosives! Just a thought anyway.

With that in mind...it sounds pretty quiet outside now, so I think we may have a go and transporting tiny sleeper to his own bed.

Y4 - 35/365: Hello Kitty

2011-11-04T23:59:00.000Z

If only human-animal communication were so easy, right?

Y4 - 34/365: Cheesy Grin

2011-11-03T23:59:00.000Z

We had another late-afternoon walk through the park and Ryan wanted to sit on every bench. The problem was, it had only just rained not long before, so they were all wet all over. I didn't realise this before I took the photo and then only to see a big wet patch on his bum.

It didn't seem to "dampen" his spirits though as he giggled like crazy, posed for the camera and said, "cheese," at the top of his lungs!

Y4 - 33/365: Big Kid...Big Help

2011-11-02T23:59:00.006Z

"You mean you're gonna let me go down the 'big kid' slide today?!"

We didn't even get to the park today until about half-three, but despite the colder weather, I thought it was important that with the lack of sunlight recently and the earlier sunsets, it would be a good idea for Ryan to get a bit of fresh air to possibly help him sleep. Plus, it gets us out of the house for a bit and he gets to have an explore.

In fact...he gave the 'big kid' slide a go today!

It's kind of silly because the smaller playground (just next to this one) the slide has a curvy 'bar' ladder to the platform of the slide. Ryan finds this to be a challenge because his limbs are so short and the last time he tried to manoeuvre it, he smacked his lip on the bar causing it to bleed a little. The bigger slide, however, has steps. Although they're spaced farther apart, he is still able to make his way up...with very close supervision from Mommy.

Speaking of supervision...with one of his Tommie Tippee toddler butter knives tonight, Ryan also managed to help "chop" some "mushies" (mushrooms) for our pasta mess! Look at him concentrating!! Little chef, he is!

Y4 - 32/365: Three Years Running - Our Story

2011-11-01T23:59:00.002Z

Of course there has to be a silly Ryan photo to start...

...make that TWO silly Ryan photos (he's discovering silly faces using his tongue)!

But a simple post tonight with a tribute to my one and only as we celebrate three years of not killing each other...yet.

All joking aside...I've kissed too many frogs before finding my Prince. I've finally found someone that respects people and values the relationship. Each person I have dated in my life, meaning those serious relationships, I have loved those people through and through because that's how I operate. When I love, I love with my whole heart. When those relationships ended, I was crushed and thought I could never love again that deeply. Of course I was getting older and with each year I was learning more and more about myself and what I was placing value on. Sometime in early 2005 I decided I wasn't going to take any grief again...I wasn't going to settle for someone who wasn't going to take a relationship seriously. I wasn't going to be someone that would sit and wait on the back burner.

After I graduated from University that year, I did a bit of dating, but in the back of my mind kept it on a friend-level hoping to protect my heart. I thought a couple of times I had found someone worthwhile and then I'd find something wrong with them and wouldn't pursue it any further.

Then, shortly after midnight on my birthday in 2006 I heard his voice...

I was a room mod on an all-ages video/voice chat programme and I hear this gorgeous British accent. Some of the guys in the room were having some guy-chat about "chicks" and the ways they treat them and "get away" with things. This mystery voice on the other end of the Atlantic promptly put them in their place and he had my full attention right there. I typed him a message, not having a mic at the time, asking him if he got many comments on his accent very often. He spoke again, insisting he "didn't have an accent."

We spoke into the early morning.

Each day from there I would get off my shift at Chuck E. Cheese's (which is exactly where every college graduate wants to start using their degree) and race back to my Dad's where I could use the computer and web cam to chat with him...counting down the minutes until the next time I'd hear his voice. He even rang my house phone a couple times to leave a voice message and I would listen to it over and over. Our chats always ran into the early morning, my Dad falling asleep at the computer next to me, and me sneaking back out to head home to my apartment.

We began entertaining the thought of him coming to visit. After all, he wanted to see the States and I was happy to play tour guide. Some may have thought it weird that only six weeks after first having spoken online, he was booking a flight to Columbus, Ohio and he had never even been on a plane before! Surely I was mad?

I arrived at the airport to pick him up, slowly exiting the elevator from the parking garage and heading in towards Max & Erma's where I asked him to wait for me. Then I see this very tall and good looking blond guy wearing an Adidas jacket (and not looking like he was local) getting closer and closer. My memory fails me now how we greeted one another...maybe it was just a quick hug, but all I knew is that I was SO nervous!

Even in that first visit, I kept trying to talk myself down that it wouldn't turn into anything because he lived too far away. 4500 miles was just too far! But I was having so much fun with him and he was meeting some of my friends, who took an instant like to him, so I wasn't sure...I didn't know what to think or how to feel. That was, until his flight was due to leave in a few hours on the final day. We were standing in the airport, and I believe the big 'L' had already been voiced on his side, but I was still holding back and trying not to let myself be vulnerable.

It was insane telling someone who you have only known 6-7 weeks and just met in person that you loved them...right?

The final call was made for his flight and he couldn't wait any longer to go through security. We were both fighting back tears and failing miserably...so the 'I love you' had no choice but to come out. I didn't know when I would see him again, but I knew I wanted to give "us" a go.

I visited him in England that summer and then he came to visit me again in the autumn, when I had moved to North Carolina to begin teaching. I was with him again in England that Christmas, our first to celebrate together and then he was back with me in North Carolina the following Easter when we took a road trip back to Ohio so he could meet my family.

My final and most life-changing visit after that was when I came to England for nearly 8 weeks that summer (2007). I remember thinking how we had been together 18 months and neither of us were getting any younger -- he agreed -- so just before I left, we announced our engagement and began planning for my transatlantic "puddle-jump."

It was so hard for the following 12 months because we didn't have any visits back and forth at all so we could save up money for my fiance visa and our wedding. When my visa arrived in the post mid-July I nearly hit the roof with excitement!! Immediately I booked a one-way flight and started packing up my life (with the help of many generous friends I will be eternally grateful for).

I arrived on UK soil on the 1st of August 2008 and after a few financial speed bumps, one was Matt being made redundant weeks after my arrival, we managed to get our wedding together! Just a small, cozy ceremony at Dudley Register Office (and shown via web cam for family at home) and then a special dinner at Dunsley Hall in Kinver with my new, fantastic, in-laws, Josie & David, sister-in-law, Emma and her fiance, Daz.

That day was so special to me. Not because of some expensive dress or giant cake, not because of all the wedding gifts we got to open or all the many friends and family we got to see...because none of that happened. It was special because I was with the person I love most in this world and the people who love him most as well. I've been welcomed into this family with open arms and never been made to feel so secure.

Three years on and we've certainly had our shares of ups and downs, like many couples naturally do, but I wouldn't trade any of it for anything...and I certainly wouldn't trade the strength of our love. True, I loved those before my husband, but this love I have for him transcends all of those loves. It is a deeper love and a more powerful and consuming love. It's a more respectful love and a love I know that will not break, through anything.

Good, bad...happy or sad, I will love you, Matt...with every beat of my heart.

Please enjoy the video I made for Matt as an anniversary gift this year. The background track is a song by Michelle Featherstone, "Man and Wife" and the words come as close as how I feel.

Y4 - 31/365: Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000Z

A bit young to go Trick-or-Treating yet, but he still wore his Skelly costume to post a letter and picture to Nanny in America. On the way back he insisted on jumping in this puddle...so Mommy humoured him.

Y4 - 30/365: Extreme Makeover - Ryan Edition

2011-10-30T23:59:00.000Z

Maybe we should add "demolition man" to his traits? Matt told me yesterday that he made a "butler's entrance" to his castle...

...now I see what he meant.

The best bit is that he pulls the flap bit back up when he's done so it looks like it isn't broken!

Y4 - 29/365: Essington Fruit Farm

2011-10-29T23:59:00.000+01:00

We're a bit behind this year in selecting a pumpkin so decided to check out Essington Fruit Farm, just north of Wolverhampton. Fellow expat, Erin, made the suggestion as she has taken her son there as well, so we gave it a go.

Due to our own poor timing, all that remained was a covered-tent area with the selection of what was left and picked over. We decided to let Ryan pick his own...whatever he could pick up and carry...we would get.

Finally! Ryan emerged with a £1.25 pumpkin!

While Daddy went in to pay, Ryan and I checked out some of the animals out on the farm. Ryan's favourite phrase at the moment is "Wha's thahh?" He enthusiastically asks us this ALL THE TIME!!

We strolled towards the entrance to check out the Peppa Pigs and he squealed with delight -- he loved them! We're still working on saying 'pig' though.

On the way home we met up with Erin briefly at Merry Hill in the Sainsbury's car park. She generously brought along some books and a few gently used toys that belonged to her son to pass on to Ryan. Once we got home, Ryan couldn't wait to check out the books! He'd pull each one out of the bag and coo, "booooook!"

I was amazed at how many books there were! They fill up an entire extra shelf on his bookshelf now and Ryan has such a big selection to choose from! I'm so grateful to know such thoughtful people, like Erin...so a huge thanks to Erin and her son, from Matt, Ryan and myself for their kindness!

Y4 - 28/365: Reginald D. Hunter

2011-10-28T23:59:00.002+01:00

Earlier in the week I saw a message off an expat friend asking if anyone was interested in tickets to see Reginald D. Hunter, another American expat who is also a comedian here in the UK. I didn't know many details at the time other than there was no certainty that the person was able to get the tickets but they would be free if they were able to get them.

After discussing it with Matt, first to see if he wanted to go, he suggested I go ahead if it was going to happen. He has had a bad back for the past week or so and didn't think sitting for that long of a period would help matters.

We got the message late this morning that they got the tickets so fellow expat, Erin, agreed to meet me at Wolverhampton train station and walk with me to the venue. We met up with Heather and her husband outside the Civic and then Mel and her husband showed up to collect the tickets before we all went inside and took our seats in the SECOND ROW!!!

Come to find out, Mel is Facebook friends with Reggie because they're both from Georgia and he sent the tickets down himself for us!

Here is a small taste of another one of his performances to give you an idea of the hilarity that followed:

I think it was safe to say we all enjoyed his show and we tried our best to stick around after as he told Mel we might be able to meet him. Unfortunately we were ushered out by security and I had a train to catch.

The only slight downside to the night was the fact that I missed the last train back to Rowley Regis by minutes so took one to New Street thinking I could get another connection to Smethwick Galton Bridge and then onward to Rowley. Once I got to New Street I learned that all the trains had run for the evening and the next one in the direction I needed wasn't until 6am. It was half-eleven at this point, so I had to ring Matt and he had to get Ryan out of bed to Birmingham and fetch me.

I felt awful, but thankfully it didn't seem to affect Ryan much because he just slept in the car and was no trouble at all getting back to bed. A bit of a wild end to the night, but absolutely worth it for seeing Reggie and meeting some more lovely expats!

Y4 - 27/365: I Can Do It...Type Like Mommy!

2011-10-27T21:48:00.003+01:00

Ryan sat on my lap watching his toons for a bit this morning as I typed at the computer. Shortly after he got down, I watched him get out his own Leaptop and begin imitating my typing. He'd then look up at me and give me a cheesy grin before going back to typing again.

He is also quite a fan of the ABC song so he will press the music button repeatedly until it cycles back to the song. He doesn't really sing along until it gets to the letter 'E' and then that's all he "sings" for the rest of the song.

I must admit, although I will really miss his toddler days, I am so impressed with the way he seems to learn or do something new every other day. He's amazing!

Y4 - 26/365: Meet Skelly

2011-10-26T23:46:00.001+01:00

Ryan very much likes things on his terms. Wearing the "hood" of his newly purchased Halloween costume for a quick photo -- NOT on his terms.

We took the bus to Merry Hill today to get some bits and look for a costume. In fact, we tried to take it yesterday, but ended up waiting over an hour while the first scheduled bus didn't even show and it was raining like mad by the time the second showed up. Thinking our wait was over I hoisted a soggy, wiggly Ryan onto my hip as bus 123 approached, slowed, and then KEPT ON DRIVING PAST US!!!

To say I was fuming was an understatement!! I was flailing my arms in vain, however, because the driver apparently had NO intention of stopping as he continued around the corner. We ended up sludging home in the rain and did our best to dry off by the time Matt returned home so we could pop back out for our weekly grocery shop.

I nearly thought we were going to have another transportation issue today when bus 238 arrived and the driver informed me I would need to collapse the pushchair to board. As I am (again) trying to maneuvere my wriggly toddler while folding down the pushchair, another passenger peeks her head around to tell me, "mate, it's okay...leave the babby in the pram, it's okay." Confused I looked at the driver who was explaining to her and her friend that he only had insurance for two buggies. He then looked back at me and said it was okay to board because she folded down her own chair and had her (much older) child sit in a seat with her friend.

So good to know there are still some decent and selfless people in the world.

Matalan was our first stop once we reached the mall. I had seen a little, purple Dracula costume the week before and I was hoping they had it in his size. However, not only was it not in his size, but they didn't even have that one at all! My only choice was the skeleton. I wasn't very keen, but they were half-price, making the purchase a whopping £3.50.

Sold!

We wandered around the centre a bit more, had some sandwiches from Greggs for lunch, bought a cookie and then eventually made our way to the outdoor play area to wait for Matt to leave work and pick us up.

Ryan met a new little friend, Oscar, in the play area who was equally as smiley and happy as him. Oscar was only 19 months but they babbled back and forth like a couple of old cronies, with Ryan repeatedly asking Oscar, "What's that?"

Shortly after arriving home we tried on the costume and after reaching an "agreement" to leave the hood bit off, he gave it a test "run."

Winner!

Y4 - 25/365: Dowwwn...Up!

2011-10-25T23:59:00.000+01:00

We've invented a new game.

It kept him busy for a good twenty minutes jumping and chanting, "Dowwwn...Up," over and over.

Y4 - 24/365: A Picture for Nanny

2011-10-24T23:59:00.001+01:00

Ryan was in an artsy mood today so when I got out the felt tips he went to town colouring a picture for his Nanny in America. We even put her name at the top as well. Just look at the sheer concentration on his face -- he takes this very seriously, as you can tell.

Hopefully we will get it in the post to her this week!

Y4 - 23/365: Daddy "Duty"

2011-10-23T21:50:00.000+01:00

Although Matt would certainly never see playing and interacting with our son as a chore, I imagine it must have been quite difficult for him physically tonight when Ryan grabbed his hand to lead him over to his ramp where he promptly "made" him squat down and play "racing."

I mentioned that Matt spent the weekend with Daz down with friends in Torquay celebrating a birthday, but I discovered something unfortunate last night when Ryan and I made a video call to his mobile so Ryan could see him and say goodnight. He answered his phone and I could hear the wincing in his voice that I know all too well, so I asked what happened. He explained how he hurt his back and thinks it might have been the way he slept, so he was sitting at home alone while everyone else was out on the town. He said he felt awful not only because of the physical pain, but also because it meant he was simply "stuck" inside and hundreds of miles from us as well so it made it seem even worse.

Although the pain has started to ease off a bit tonight since he's been home, he has still been having the pains off and on and any sudden bending can trigger that.

Still, it warms my heart because I know just as I would do anything for our little guy, Matt is working through the discomfort just to have his usual Ryan-Daddy time. He wouldn't miss it for anything!

Y4 - 22/365: Tickle, Tickle

2011-10-22T23:59:00.002+01:00

Since their daddies are out of town, Em and Amy came by this afternoon to keep Ryan and me company. I've said many times before how much Ryan adores his cousin, but this picture really says it all. Here he is trying to "help" Auntie Emma tickle Miss Amy and Amy is just giggling her head off!

Love our kids!!

Y4 - 21/365: "To The Cubby Buggy...Let's Jungley Jump To It!"

2011-10-21T23:59:00.001+01:00

It's Friday and we've just returned home from a little jaunt out to Merry Hill to pick up a few bits before Matt leaves for Torquay this weekend. It's our friend, Tony's, birthday and he and Daz are heading down together to help celebrate.

Since they're leaving later tonight, we made a special trip to Toys R Us during our other errands to pick up Ryan's first Raa Raa toy since they were only just released this week. Ryan wasn't keen on any of the plushies, so we opted for one of the less expensive options which includes a Raa Raa character and his Cubby Buggy (or 'car car' if you're Ryan).

Before Daz arrived for Matt we gave it a few test runs around the front room and so far, so good -- he seems to love it and keeps saying, "Raa Raa, gooooooo!"

Y4 - 20/365: Where to Go...Where to Go?

2011-10-20T23:59:00.000+01:00

Ryan really enjoys getting my train tickets out of my coat and boy do I have plenty with how much work I have just had this half-term. I just found it funny the way he was looking at them tonight as if deciding on where he'd like to go next.

Y4 - 19/365: Sing-Along With Me!

2011-10-19T22:16:00.000+01:00

To look at this photo, one might assume young Ryan is in a bit of a mood. However, contrary to that belief, he is simply concentrating REALLY HARD to the lyrics to the intro in Raa Raa. He was jumping and dancing along with his "new" teddy friend and with all of his might letting out the most ferocious and dedicated lion "Raa's" I have ever heard.

That's not a frown you see...that's sheer determination!

It's really too bad that England isn't as big on Trick-or-Treat (the way "we" do it, at least) because he'd be kitted out in a Raa Raa costume -- yellow face-paint and all!

Today was my first and only (as far as I know) day of work this week and then all the children are off next week for half-term. I had several teachers asking me personally if I would be covering them later in the week as I have been filling a regular spot since the start of school, but I honestly wasn't able to confirm anything since the school have yet to request me from my agency. It's still nice to know they have requested me for all the work I have had to this point and I can only hope it will pick back up once school is back until the holidays.

Y4 - 18/365: Just a Boy, Just an Ordinary Boy

2011-10-18T23:58:00.000+01:00

Ryan spent a good part of the morning following the cat around on all fours and trying to kiss him. Each time he would get close enough for a peck, Myst would do a 180 and all Ryan was left with was a mouth full of fluffy tail...but Ryan didn't let that discourage him. He would simply squawk, giggle, and chase after Myst again!

We're working on "being gentle with the kitty" so as long as he is patting him softly and trying to give him smooches, I'm okay with that.

By naptime Ryan was shattered. He had asked for some milk first thing this morning, but then only an hour and a half later was signing for it again. By noon he was tucked into bed with his Daddy's old teddy bear (who he has been clinging to a lot the past 24 hours) and even snoring a little!

Since I'm at work just the one day this week he will be going to the childminder in the morning. With our dinner being a bit later we decided he should skip a proper bath tonight and just get straight into his PJs.

It's a good thing we all agree that straight to bed is the best choice tonight.

Y4 - 17/365: Rainy Day...Messy Play

2011-10-17T23:04:00.000+01:00

I decided today was perfect for a little indoor messy-play, so before Ryan was up from his nap, I prepared and set aside what we would need to make our very own playdough. As soon as Ryan shouted for me from the top of the stairs, I immediately brought him into the front room where everything we needed was already waiting. He couldn't wait to get started and warmed up by doing some imaginary mixing.

I helped him add 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of salt to begin.

He took to it like a natural and needed no instruction from Mommy to "mix" the dry ingredients together before I then added 1/2 cup of boiled water (from the kettle).

I then showed him how to knead the dough together with his hands. He particularly enjoyed this part although I knew what was coming...he took this chance to have a taste of the lovely, homemade concoction and quickly learned that something so salty wasn't quite as appealing as he once thought.

After the dough was kneaded, Ryan helped by pretending to add the yellow food colouring.

I set aside the supplies and we got right down to business...the playing bit.

He squeezed, rolled, flattened, sniffed (and occasionally tasted) his new creation and we even used some of his sand toys from this past summer as cookie cutters to make playdough shapes.

At one point I rolled a portion into a long "snake" and Ryan's response was, "Nanaaaaaaa!" I think he may have actually thought it WAS a banana.

But I have a different thought on who the ACTUAL "banana" is!

Y4 - 16/365: A Story

2011-10-16T23:32:00.003+01:00

He just had to get in on the action! I was originally trying to get a photo of him playing with his new train set, but between the cat interrupting the shot and me having to "rebuild" the track because Ryan sat on it, it wasn't going well. By the time I went to lie on the floor for a good angle, Ryan thought I was playing a game, so he lay across the track until his face was in view.

The nut.

Later, at Em & Daz's, I caught a rare moment of the kids sitting side-by-side on the settee as Amy "read" to Ryan what the pictures were in her ABC book. She's coming along BRILLIANTLY with her vocabulary and it makes me even more anxious for Ryan to get to that stage!

It was sweet to see the pair of them because on the page where it showed a picture of markers, Ryan shouted "kuh-woh!" and Amy carried on with, "red, green, purple..." to name each one.

So glad we have such clever kiddos!

Y4 - 15/365: Christmas? So Soon?!

2011-10-15T23:59:00.000+01:00

Upon arriving at Em & Daz's tonight we were informed there was a gift for Ryan that couldn't wait until Christmas. It was initially meant to be reserved for that very occasion, but Ryan has a very generous Auntie Emma who just couldn't resist. There's no doubt this Thomas & Friends train set will be a hit once we get home and have it all set up!

So, Auntie Emma & Uncle Daz...when you read this, Ryan says, "Ta!"

Speaking of gifts...for Amy's 2nd birthday in July, we bought her the game Elefun and tonight we had the opportunity to see what the adverts were all about. The kids LOVED it and I must say, I've never seen such big grins on their faces!

Basically the battery-operated machine spits out nylon "twists" (butterflies) through its long, plastic "trunk" and the object of the game is to catch these "butterflies" in nets. Amy's object of the game was to intercept the butterfly release by knocking over the trunk...but I suppose her game, her rules...right?

Of course, then Ryan decided he found another use for the nets.

Yes...we have strange children.

Apple. Tree. Enough said.

Y4 - 14/365: Baby Go Bump

2011-10-14T23:59:00.000+01:00

Ryan is no stranger to injury so when he gets a small blow to the head, for example, it no longer phases us like it did when he first started "collecting" them. I've stated before he has no fear and tonight it wasn't even that which caused his most recent battle wound. He was trying to hug the back of my legs as I was walking across the room and before I could stop, he slipped and smacked into the wooden bit on the bottom of the sofa when he fell.

The smack was quite audible and so was his cry just after, so I immediately scooped him up and began the ritual of rocking and shushing while I went to the kitchen to get something cold for his forehead.

Thankfully, Matt was close by so he grabbed some frozen veg and a dampened cloth and then made a small bottle of milk to help distract and keep him calm while I held the compress to his head. It went purplish immediately so I knew he couldn't avoid a bruise, but I didn't want the swelling to have much of a chance.

After a little RaaRaa The Noisy Lion and 6 ounces of moo juice, he was back on his feet and acting as silly as ever.

Y4 - 13/365: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

2011-10-13T23:59:00.000+01:00

Although he slept through the night and still went to Matt's parents' house today, our little guy has been battling some low-grade fevers for at least 24 hours now. He's been quite lethargic, but still seems happy and fairly playful, so we're thinking it's his teeth again -- he still has about 6 to come through yet.

This time we bathed him, sat him in just his nappy, and allowed him to have a bit of toast before bed since he refused his regular dinner (yet another sign that teething was the culprit).

At least tomorrow is Friday and he can have the weekend to recoup with Mommy and Daddy if he needs to.

Y4 - 12/365: It's Getting Hot in Here...

2011-10-12T23:59:00.000+01:00

From the moment Matt returned home with Ryan from the childminder's today, I knew something wasn't right. The eyelids at "half-mast" and flushed cheeks were my first clue that a fever was imminent and subsequently my suspicions were confirmed when the thermometer read 101.7.

We dosed him with 7.5ml of Calpol and got him straight up to bed.

It's a shame (in a way) I'm working all week simply because it would be nice to give him a day off having to get up early with us.

Y4 - 11/365: Five-Second Rule

2011-10-11T23:59:00.000+01:00

It also applies to clothing...and someone isn't going to let his strawberry flavoured yoghurt go to waste!

Y4 - 10/365: Have a Good Day!

2011-10-11T00:15:00.000+01:00

This morning started abruptly when I woke once to see 5:50am on my phone, then blinked, and suddenly Matt was shaking me and telling me it was half-past six!

Crap! We overslept!!

I rushed through my shower while Matt got ready and then as I was getting dressed we made the executive decision that since Ryan was still sleeping, it would be best to just get socks on his feet and put a coat on him rather than go through the mess of getting him dressed in a rush just to get me to the train station on time. This worked in our favour because we got Ryan up from his bed (turned the wrong way and hanging halfway out, I might add) just before we left the house and he was in the most cheerful of moods. Matt commented to me later that after returning home to get him ready and then dropping him off at the childminder, it was so hard to leave him because of how much he was beaming and happy.

I was told I had an "easy" day with Nursery for about an hour and then working with a small group of children (Years 3 & 4) on intervention with their sounds. I ended my day in Reception and although it was "easy" in terms of no marking to do...it was exhausting overall because of how much effort I put into the intervention group. If I'm being honest, I felt a bit of a failure because all but one of them didn't even know their alphabet and I was later told how this is due to their previous attendance in the school. It made me feel like the time I had with them was wasted because had I known this in advance I could have planned a more basic lesson to start a strong scaffolded foundation. To me, it's a shame they have missed out on so much already as this will not only hurt them academically in the long run, but this is also a main cause of why so many children play about and don't listen well or follow simple directions. They are lost, don't know what to do...so they get bored and mess about!

Still, on the bright side I was able to sign out before 4pm, which meant I was able to catch the "early" train home and I beat Matt back!

About 20 minutes after I had arrived home, Matt walked in carrying Ryan who exlaimed, "Mamaaaaaa," as soon as he saw me and leaned towards me for a cuddle. Then I watched as he grabbed his monkey and penguin and proceeded to "put them to bed|" by tucking them in and giving them cuddles and kisses. Then he climbed up with them, looked at me, and said, "Nigh nigh," and layed his head on top!

Sweetest thing ever and it nearly made me forget all about my hectic morning.